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Jan 17, 1898
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Born in Ottawa, Ontario to William H. and
Elizabeth Ann (nee Banks) Lester
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Nov 9, 1914
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Attested into the 21st Battalion in
Kingston, Ontario
Ø Number 59584 (temporary number 888)
Ø Next of kin given as Annie Lester, mother, 24-4th Ave.,
Ottawa, Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Mechanic
Ø No previous military experience given
Ø Religion given as Congregationalist
Ø Assigned to “H” Company
o This was later reorganized into “D” Company
He lied about his age, stating that he had been
born in 1896, not his actual birth year of 1898. He
was only 16 years of age on enlistment
The battalion trained in the Kingston area
through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries
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May 6, 1915
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Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec
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May 15, 1915
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Disembarked in Devonport, England and the
battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training
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Sep 14, 1915
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Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone
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Sep 15, 1915
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Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the
battalion proceeded to St. Omer
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Mar 14, 1916
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While the battalion was in billets in La Clytte,
Belgium they supplied work parties to build up front line trenches. Private Lester was shot in the side of his neck on
such a work party and he died before he could taken to the aid station. He was buried the following day in the Ridgewood
Cemetery, Voormezeele, Belgium
Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War
Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Annie Lester, 26-4th
Ave., Ottawa, Ontario
The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll
were sent to his father, William H. Lester, at the same address
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